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Stockbrokers in Carlsbad, CA: 2026 rankings

23 stockbrokers ranked by RFA ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest RFA Score in Carlsbad: CenterPoint by Clear Street, RFA Score 72/100; 4.6★ from 32 Google reviews.

  2. 4

    Most-reviewed: Trade Genie Inc., 70 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 23 ranked; ranked #4.

Rankings can't be bought. Financial advisors can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

23 Carlsbad stockbrokers are ranked here by RFA Score, from eight published factors. 1 open Saturdays and 1 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 23 rated firms.

Most of this list also appears on the Stockbrokers in Oceanside ranking. See Stockbrokers in Oceanside

Top 10 stockbrokers in Carlsbad at a glance

Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 stockbrokers in Carlsbad at a glance
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1CenterPoint by Clear Street724.6★ (32)Encinitas, 14 mi away—Top score
2Charles Schwab684.8★ (8)San Diego, 16 mi away——
3West Coast Stock Transfer673.7★ (3)Encinitas, 7 mi away——
4Trade Genie Inc.654.6★ (70)Encinitas, 8 mi awaySat · SunMost reviews
5Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: David S Peterson, CFP®634.9★ (46)San Diego, 16 mi away——
6Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Caroline Talebi635.0★ (11)Oceanside, 2 mi away——
7Mitchell Loewenberg, CFP® - Wedbush Securities625.0★ (15)La Jolla, 22 mi away——
8Charles Schwab623.8★ (15)Carlsbad——
9Aureus Wealth Management625.0★ (7)Carlsbad——
10Tidewater Financial614.8★ (14)Encinitas, 9 mi away——

All 23 stockbrokers in Carlsbad, in rank order

Ordered by RFA Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.

Scores below: based on 6 of 8 factors; registration and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.

  2. #2 Charles Schwab

    Based in San Diego, 16 mi away

    68/100RFA Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Stock broker”.

    • 4.8★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    12481 High Bluff Dr #100, San Diego, CA 92130
    View profile for Charles Schwab(858) 523-2454

  4. #4 Trade Genie Inc.

    Based in Encinitas, 8 mi away

    65/100RFA Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.6★ from 70 Google reviews, the most in Carlsbad.

    • 4.6★ from 70 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 6:30 AM–4 PM
    Address
    315 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
    View profile for Trade Genie Inc.(212) 930-2245

  8. #8 Charles Schwab

    Based in Carlsbad

    62/100RFA Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.8★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 3.8★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5796 Armada Dr Ste 175, Carlsbad, CA 92008
    View profile for Charles Schwab(760) 931-2810

  10. #10 Tidewater Financial

    Based in Encinitas, 9 mi away

    61/100RFA Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial advisor”.

    • 4.8★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    849 2nd St, Encinitas, CA 92024
    View profile for Tidewater Financial(858) 704-2010

  14. #14 Charles Schwab

    Based in San Diego, 18 mi away

    58/100RFA Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 4.3★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    10920 Via Frontera Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92127
    View profile for Charles Schwab(858) 618-7232

  22. #22 Wedbush

    Based in La Jolla, 22 mi away

    54/100RFA Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1200 Prospect St #350, La Jolla, CA 92037
    View profile for Wedbush(858) 454-3551

  23. #23 Charles Schwab

    Based in La Jolla, 22 mi away

    53/100RFA Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.2★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 2.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    7777 Fay Ave Ste 105, La Jolla, CA 92037
    View profile for Charles Schwab(858) 551-6301

How we ranked Carlsbad stockbrokers

We scored 23 Carlsbad stockbrokers on eight factors, weighted as shown. A firm is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RFA Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Carlsbad data
Reputation30%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it (client experience, not investment results)Measured
Registration20%Active SEC, state or Canadian securities registration matched in public records (not yet measured)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Specialty focus15%How clearly the firm offers this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Ranked Financial Advisors profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The firm links to Ranked Financial Advisors from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a stockbroker

  1. Confirm the stockbroker and the firm are registered: Investor.gov and FINRA BrokerCheck in the US, the CSA National Registration Search in Canada. Read any disclosure events.
  2. Ask whether they act as a fiduciary on your account at all times, and get the answer in writing.
  3. Ask how they are paid: a percentage of assets, flat or hourly fees, a retainer, commissions, or a mix. Each creates different conflicts of interest.
  4. Read the firm’s Form CRS and Form ADV Part 2A brochure (fees, services, conflicts, disciplinary history) before you sign.
  5. Check designations with the body that grants them, such as the CFP Board for CFP® professionals.
  6. Ask about account minimums and who holds your money: your assets should sit with an independent custodian in your name.
  7. Compare at least two or three firms, and be wary of anyone who promises returns or pushes you to decide quickly.

Questions to ask a stockbroker

  • Are you a fiduciary for all of the advice you give me, and will you put that in writing?
  • How are you paid, in total dollars per year for an account like mine? Do you earn commissions or other payments from product providers?
  • Which registrations and designations do you hold, and where can I verify them?
  • Who will hold my assets, and how will I see statements directly from that custodian?
  • What services are included in your fee, and what would cost extra with you as my stockbroker?
  • Do you have a minimum account size or minimum fee?
  • Have you or your firm had any complaints or disciplinary actions? Where would I see them?
  • How often will we meet, and who will I work with day to day?
  • What happens to my plan or accounts if you retire or leave the firm?

Terms explained

Fiduciary
Someone legally required to act in a client’s interest. In the US, registered investment advisers owe their clients a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Registered investment adviser (RIA)
A firm registered with the SEC or a state securities regulator to give investment advice for pay. Most firms managing $100 million or more register with the SEC; smaller firms usually register with their state.
Investment adviser representative (IAR)
A person who gives advice on behalf of a registered investment adviser, usually registered with the states where they work.
Broker-dealer
A firm that buys and sells securities for customers. US broker-dealers are members of FINRA; their registered representatives typically earn commissions.
Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)
The SEC rule, in force since June 30, 2020, requiring broker-dealers to act in a retail customer’s best interest when recommending a security or account type.
Form ADV
The registration form every investment adviser files. Part 1 holds facts about the firm; Part 2A, the brochure, describes services, fees, conflicts of interest and disciplinary history in plain English.
Form CRS
A short relationship summary that advisers and broker-dealers give retail investors, covering services, fees, conflicts, standard of conduct and disciplinary history.
CRD number
The Central Registration Depository number FINRA and the SEC assign to each firm and registered person; use it to look them up on Investor.gov or BrokerCheck.
Assets under management (AUM) fee
A yearly fee set as a percentage of the money an advisor manages for you. Advisor surveys have put the median around 1% on accounts up to $1 million, lower on larger accounts.
Fee-only
An advisor paid only by clients, with no commissions or other payments from product providers.
Fee-based
An advisor who charges client fees and may also earn commissions on some products. It is not the same as fee-only.
CFP® professional
A person certified by the CFP Board after meeting education, exam, experience and ethics requirements. The CFP Board requires them to act as a fiduciary when giving financial advice.

Stockbrokers in Carlsbad: frequently asked questions

Which stockbroker has the highest RFA Score in Carlsbad?

By RFA Score, the highest-ranked stockbroker in Carlsbad, CA is CenterPoint by Clear Street with an RFA Score of 72/100. It has 4.6★ from 32 Google reviews. Charles Schwab (#2) and West Coast Stock Transfer (#3) follow. We ranked 23 stockbrokers on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many stockbrokers are there in Carlsbad?

RankedFinancialAdvisors ranks 23 stockbrokers serving Carlsbad, CA. 5 of them are based in Carlsbad; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which stockbrokers in Carlsbad work on weekends?

1 of 23 ranked stockbrokers post Saturday hours and 1 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is Trade Genie Inc. (#4). Many advisors meet by appointment, including evenings or by video, outside their posted office hours.

What Google rating do Carlsbad stockbrokers have?

The median Google rating among 23 rated stockbrokers in Carlsbad is 5.0★, with a median of 5 reviews. Trade Genie Inc. has the most, 70 reviews, and ranks #4. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedFinancialAdvisors rank stockbrokers?

Each stockbroker gets a 0–100 RFA Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (30%), specialty focus (15%), review volume (10%) and claimed profile (10%). A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only firms with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do stockbrokers outside Carlsbad count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Carlsbad city center, our service radius for stockbrokers. Each listing shows where the firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the RFA Score, so a nearby firm gets a small edge.

Can stockbrokers pay to rank higher on RankedFinancialAdvisors?

No. The RFA Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured firms may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

What does a stockbroker do?

Stockbrokers buy and sell stocks, bonds, funds and other securities for clients and may recommend them. In the US they are registered representatives of a FINRA member broker-dealer; in Canada they work for a CIRO-regulated investment dealer.

How are stockbrokers in Carlsbad ranked?

By RFA Score: public signals such as the Google rating and review count, how clearly the firm offers brokerage services and how close it is. Paid placements never change the order, and the score does not measure investment performance.

How do I check a stockbroker’s registration and record?

Search the person and the firm on Investor.gov (the SEC’s adviser search) and on FINRA BrokerCheck. A firm’s Form ADV and any disciplinary history are public there.

Is every stockbroker in Carlsbad a fiduciary?

Not necessarily. Investment adviser representatives owe a fiduciary duty on advisory accounts; broker-dealer representatives follow Regulation Best Interest when they recommend a security. Ask which applies to your account and read the firm’s Form CRS.

How much do stockbrokers charge?

Fees depend on the firm and the service: a percentage of assets managed each year, a flat or hourly planning fee, a retainer, or commissions. Ask for the fee schedule in writing and read the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A brochure or, in Canada, its relationship disclosure.

Update log for Carlsbad

  1. November 2026: RFA Scores recalculated for 23 stockbrokers serving Carlsbad.

More stockbrokers and Carlsbad pages